Card game

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an improved card game. The game is played on a gaming table, with a regular standard deck of cards consisting of 52 cards, and with between one and seven players and a dealer. A hand is dealt for each player and the dealer. Each player is allowed an opportunity to place a bonus bet based on the hand. The hand is then formed into a high hand and a low hand, and a play bet is placed on these two hands. The player&#39;s high and low hands are compared to the dealer&#39;s high and low hands, respectively, and winners are paid according to a payout schedule. Each player&#39;s hand is compared to a bonus bet card configuration table. If a player&#39;s hand contains a bonus bet card configuration, the player is paid according to a bonus bet payout schedule.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/332,026 filed Nov. 21, 2001.

COPYRIGHT

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in the PTO patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to card games, and more particularly to a method of playing a card game with an improved betting scheme.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] As a leisure time activity, poker and other card games have fascinated the public for years. A deck of cards, a playing surface and a few participants are all that is needed to provide a recreational few hours away from the stress and strain of daily life. Five or seven card poker is a game that almost everyone knows how to play and many games have been developed using the same basic priority or rank order of winning poker hands.

[0005] Various card games have been devised by which a player can make a wager of money, for example where the setting is a casino, or credits or points when the player is playing for fun and enjoyment. After the wager has been made, the player and dealer are dealt playing cards to ultimately define final holdings for each of the player and dealer. The dealer's and players' hands are then compared and resolved to determine the winner. If the player is declared the winner based upon the final holdings, the player wins the wager and collects a reward. If the dealer is declared the winner, the player loses the wager. Examples of such games are Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker and the like.

[0006] While these games have enjoyed success, players continue to look to the challenge and excitement of new games. Furthermore, players look to play games where they have an opportunity to reap great rewards in comparison to the amount of their wager. Card room poker, for example, does not offer any bonus payments for particularly good hands. While a Royal Flush is a rare occurrence and generates a thrill for any poker player, the player collects the same total wager that would have been collected if all that was needed to beat the other players was Three of a Kind. There is therefore a need for new card games which offer the opportunity for players to receive large awards for relatively small wagers.

[0007] A variety of card games exist having different betting schemes and payouts. The challenge is to find the appropriate combination of card play, betting odds and payout that will challenge and maintain the interest of the players while meeting the financial goals of the gaming establishment. Given the diversity of playing skills found with gaming participants, it remains a challenge to provide a method of playing a card game that involves easy-to-understand rules.

[0008] The present invention provides a new card game having an improved betting scheme that provides an easy-to-understand and exciting gaming experience while maintaining financial balance between the player and the gaming establishment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an improved card game for use in casinos or other gaming establishments. The game is preferably played on a gaming table, with a regular standard deck of cards consisting of 52 cards, and with between one and seven players and a dealer. A hand consisting of a predetermined number of cards is dealt for each player and the dealer. Each player is allowed an opportunity to place a bonus bet based on the hand prior to seeing the contents of the hand. Each player subsequently forms the player's hand into two separate hands, a high hand and a low hand, based on the value of the cards in the hand. Each player places a play bet based on the high hand and low hand. The dealer's hand is formed into a high hand and a low hand based on the value of the cards in the hand. Each player's high hand and low hand is compared to the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively. A player is designated as a play winner if the player's high hand and low hand beat the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively. Each player's combined hand is compared to a bonus bet card configuration table. If a player's combined hand contains a bonus bet card configuration, the player is paid according to a bonus bet payout schedule.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, each player designated as a play winner is paid according to a payout schedule.

[0011] As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing summary, the present invention provides an improved card game for use in casinos or other gaming establishments that includes both a “play element” and a “poker hand element” to maximize player participation while providing an opportunity for large awards for relatively small wagers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

[0013]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a preferred gaming table according to the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is an expanded illustration of a preferred player station according to the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the preferred methodology of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] The present invention provides an improved card game for use in casinos or other gaming establishments. The game is preferably played on a gaming table and with a regular standard deck of cards consisting of 52 cards. The game may be played with as few as one player and a dealer or with as many players for which there are cards to be distributed according to the rules of the particular game embodiment. The game is preferably played with between one and seven players and a dealer.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the game can also be played with additional cards, for example, 53 cards, the additional cards preferably being one or more jokers. The joker may be used to take the place of any card in the gaming hand or, alternatively, only used to take the place of a face card.

[0018] The method of the present invention is better understood with reference to FIG. 1. The game will be described as applied both to all participants as well as to a single participant. It is understood that game play described with reference to a single participant is equally applicable to the game play of any number of similarly situated participants.

[0019] The gaming action occurs on a gaming table 10. The preferred gaming table includes between one and seven player stations along with one dealer station. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the gaming table includes six player stations 20 and one dealer station 40. As shown with further reference to FIG. 2, associated with each player station is an ANTE bet area 22, a ROYALTY BET™ area 24 and a PLAY bet area 26. Each player station further includes a low card area 28 and a high card area 30. The gaming table may optionally display a ROYALTY BET payout schedule 50 determined by the gaming establishment to be used with the particular game embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the gaming table may optionally display other information related to game play, rules of the game, an alternative payout schedule, alternative ANTE, ROYALTY BET and PLAY bet areas, various low card, high card and discard card areas and dealer-specific areas. The gaming table may also display game title and branding, gaming establishment and general interest information. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes three dice (not shown).

[0020] The preferred procedure of the game play is described more specifically with reference to FIG. 3. The dealer first checks the cards to make sure all are there and shuffles them (block 100). The shuffling of the cards may be according to any predetermined or regular process, although preferably according to the “house rules” of the gaming establishment. The cards are then dealt in front of the dealer in the dealer station 40 (block 110). In an alternative embodiment, a shuffling machine may be used to shuffle and to count out the specific number of cards needed.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the dealer places one card at a time from the left to the right. The number of cards placed depends on the number of player stations in the particular game. In the described embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 1, seven cards are dealt and placed in the dealer station 40, one for each of the six player stations and the dealer. In this example, the eighth card is placed on top of the first card, creating a first stack of two cards; the ninth card is placed on top of the second card, creating a second stack of two cards, and so on. The dealer repeats this process until separate hands equal to the number of player stations plus the dealer each have been dealt, each hand having four cards. The remaining cards are counted and set aside, preferably in a designated spot on the gaming table such as a discard area (not shown). In this example, assuming that 52 cards are used in a game having six players and the dealer, 24 cards remain and are set aside in the discard area. In an alternative embodiment, in a case where there are fewer players than player stations, the number of hands dealt equals the number of players rather than player stations, plus one hand for the dealer.

[0022] Continuing with the preferred procedure described with reference to FIG. 3, at block 104 each player places their ANTE bet. This ANTE bet is placed in the designated ANTE bet area 22. In the preferred embodiment, an ANTE bet is required to participate in the game. The ANTE bet may be of any amount established by the gaming establishment. At decision block 106, each player has the option of placing a ROYALTY BET. The ROYALTY BET is a bonus bet that is paid depending on the total hand, made by the four cards, which has nothing to do with the actual hand that is being played. The payout for the ROYALTY BET is explained in greater detail below. If the player decides to place a ROYALTY BET, the ROYALTY BET is placed in the designated ROYALTY BET area 24 (block 108). The limit (if any) of the ROYALTY BET is preferably set by the gaming establishment. If the player does not want to place a ROYALTY BET, the logic of decision block 106 proceeds to block 110.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment, three dice are shaken by the dealer and placed on the table (block 110). The total of the three dice represents which player will receive a hand first. In the preferred embodiment, the dealer and each player station is assigned one or more numbers between 1 and 18. In the example shown with reference to FIG. 1, the dealer would be assigned the numbers 1, 8 and 15; the player station to the immediate right of the dealer would be assigned the numbers 2, 9 and 16; the next player moving in a counterclockwise direction would be assigned the numbers 3, 10 and 17; the next player would be assigned the numbers 4, 11 and 18; the next player would be assigned the numbers 5 and 12; the next player would be assigned the numbers 6 and 13; and the next player would be assigned the numbers 7 and 14. The specific number of dice rolled in block 110, as well as the specific numbers assigned to the dealer and each player station may vary, so long as the assigned numbers fall within a range bearing a reasonable relationship to the possible total dice roll.

[0024] At block 112, each player station and the dealer is dealt a separate hand consisting of four cards. Based on the roll of the dice, the first hand of cards is dealt to the dealer or player station that was assigned the number rolled on the dice. In the preferred embodiment using the dice roll, the hands are always dealt from the right to the left. Thus, moving in a counterclockwise direction, after the first hand, each player station or the dealer will be dealt the remaining hands. In the preferred embodiment, there is a player participating at each player station. However, a hand is dealt to each player station regardless of whether a player is participating at the station. Once the cards have been distributed to each player station, all cards at player stations where there is no participating player are collected, counted and preferably placed in the designated discard area.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, dice are not used to determine the first player station dealt a hand. Rather, a hand is dealt first to the player station to the dealer's left, and thereafter to each player station and lastly the dealer in a clockwise direction.

[0026] At block 114, each player participating at a player station looks at the cards in the player's hand and forms high and low hands by dividing the four cards in the hand into two hands, each hand consisting of two cards. The two hands are formed into high and low hands by using their face value. The low hand must not be higher in value than the high hand.

[0027] Once the player checks their cards and sets their hand, the player now has the option of surrendering the player's hand and ANTE bet or to continue participation in the game (decision block 116). If the player resigns the game and surrenders the ANTE bet, the logic proceeds to decision block 118. If the player does not have a ROYALTY BET pending, the logic proceeds to block 120, where the player's participation in the game ends. The player's cards are preferably discarded in the designated discard area. If the player has a ROYALTY BET pending, the player places the hand down on the gaming table for later reference and the logic proceeds to decision block 138 (discussed later).

[0028] If at decision block 116 the player decides to continue participation in the game, the logic proceeds to block 122, where the player places a PLAY bet. In the preferred embodiment, the PLAY bet is equal the amount that was wagered on the ANTE bet. The PLAY bet may be of any amount established by the gaming establishment. In alternative embodiments, the PLAY bet may be a multiple of the ANTE bet, for example, two or three times the ANTE bet. The PLAY bet is preferably placed in the designated PLAY bet area 26.

[0029] At block 124, the player's high and low hands are compared with the dealer's high and low hands. The dealer turns over the dealer's hand and forms high and low hands using the same rules as the players, namely, by dividing the four cards in the hand into two hands, each hand consisting of two cards. The two hands are formed into high and low hands by using their face value. The low hand must not be higher in value than the high hand.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the dealer may be limited as to how the dealer can configure the high and low hands. For example, the dealer may be required to always split multiple Aces unless the dealer has either a King or a Queen for a low hand card. In yet another example, the dealer may be required to split multiple Kings between the high and low hands unless the dealer already has either an Ace or King in the low hand. Alternative dealer configuration options may be used to provide varied degrees of challenge during game play.

[0031] In yet an alternative embodiment, the dealer's hand must qualify in order for the game to progress to the high and low hand comparison of block 124. In this embodiment, the dealer's hand qualifies if it has a 10 or better among the cards in the hand. If the dealer's hand qualifies, the logic of the game proceeds as indicated by block 124 and continues as described below. If the dealer's hand does not qualify, then the game is terminated as to this aspect of the game, the player keeps the PLAY bet, and the gaming establishment pays the player the ANTE bet. If the player has a pending ROYALTY BET, the game proceeds to block 138 for a ROYALTY BET payout determination.

[0032] In still an alternative embodiment, the dealer's hand must again qualify in order for the game to progress to the high and low hand comparison of block 124. As described above, the dealer's hand qualifies if it has a 10 or better among the cards in the hand. If the dealer's hand qualifies, the logic of the game proceeds as indicated by block 124 and continues as described below. If the dealer's hand does not qualify, then the game is terminated as to this aspect of the game. In this embodiment, the game is considered a draw or a “push,” and the player keeps the PLAY bet and the ANTE bet, but does not receive any payment from the gaming establishment. If the player has a pending ROYALTY BET, however, the game proceeds to block 138 for a ROYALTY BET payout determination.

[0033] In yet an alternative embodiment, the dealer's hand must again qualify in order for the game to progress to the high and low hand comparison of block 124. In this embodiment, the dealer's hand qualifies if it has a 10 or better among the cards in the hand. If the dealer's hand qualifies, the logic of the game proceeds as indicated by block 124 and continues as described below. If the dealer's hand does not qualify, then the game is terminated as to this aspect of the game. In this embodiment, the game is considered a push unless the player wagered at least a predetermined amount on the ROYALTY BET. If the player wagered at least the predetermined amount, then in the ROYALTY BET determination stage, the player is paid a ROYALTY BET bonus equal to the ANTE rather than pushing.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, in order for the player to win, the player must beat both hands of the dealer. The player's low hand must beat the dealer's low hand and the player's high hand must beat the dealer's high hand. If the player wins both hands (decision block 126), the player wins and is paid the amount wagered on the ANTE and PLAY bet (block 128). In an alternative embodiment, a commission can be deducted on the player's win bet at the discretion of the gaming establishment. If the player loses one of the two hands to the dealer (decision block 130), either the low hand or the high hand, the hand is considered a push (block 132). The player takes back his ANTE bet and PLAY bet. If the player loses both hands to the dealer (decision block 134), the dealer wins (block 136), and the player pays to the gaming establishment the amount wagered on the ANTE and PLAY bet.

[0035] The logic proceeds to decision block 138, where the dealer checks the hands of the players participating in the ROYALTY BET. The ROYALTY BET is preferably checked for the player by the dealer. The player's hand to the right of the dealer is preferably the first player that the dealer will proceed to check first and then will continue until all hands are resolved. The ROYALTY BET payout may be determined using one of several options.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the player's hand is examined to determine whether it contains one of the preferred ROYALTY BET configurations. If it contains one of the preferred ROYALTY BET configurations, the player wins (block 140), and the payout is according to the ROYALTY BET payout scheduled adopted by the gaming establishment. If the player loses (block 142), the player pays the gaming establishment the ROYALTY BET. Examples of possible ROYALTY BET schedules are presented below.

[0037] The following ROYALTY BET configuration constitutes the preferred configuration used in the present invention. Other ROYALTY BET configurations and related strength and priority rules may be used.

[0038] ROYALTY BET™ Configuration:

[0039] a) Four of a kind, or SHI-GOW™—four cards of the same value, but are all of a different suit. b) Royal Flush—four cards that are in numerical order and are the same suit, but must be from the Jack thru Ace, A, K, Q, J suited. c) Straight Flush—four cards in sequence and in the same suit, but can start with any card. For example, 6, 7, 8, 9 suited.

[0040] d) Flush—four cards that are of the same suit.

[0041] e) Straight—four cards that run in numerical sequence.

[0042] f) Three of a kind—three cards of the four that are of the same numerical value.

[0043] g) Two pair—two cards that have the same value that are not of the same suit, and two more cards of the same.

[0044] h) One pair—two cards that have the same value, and are not of the same suit.

[0045] i) Push—depending on the payout schedule options, the player ties gaming establishment.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment played with one or more jokers, the joker can also be used for one or more of the above hands to replace any card forming a ROYALTY BET configuration.

[0047] A ROYALTY BET payout may be according to any one of an almost limitless number of schedules. Alternative payout schedules may be used with the method of the present invention. By way of example only, the following provides ten examples of schedules for ROYALTY BET payouts. EXEMPLAR PAYOUT SCHEDULES Schedule Option 1 4 of a Kind 100 to 1  Royal Flush 75 to 1 Straight Flush 60 to 1 3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 Schedule Option 2 4 of a Kind 100 to 1  Royal Flush 75 to 1 Straight Flush 60 to 1 3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair (10's or better)  1 to 1 Schedule Option 3 4 of a Kind 100 to 1  Royal Flush 75 to 1 Straight Flush 60 to 1 3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 8's or better  1 to 1 Schedule Option 4 4 of a Kind 100 to 1  Royal Flush 75 to 1 Straight Flush 60 to 1 3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair Push Schedule Option 5 4 of a Kind 100 to 1  Royal Flush 75 to 1 Straight Flush 60 to 1 3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair  1 to 1 Schedule Option 6 4 of a Kind 200 to 1  Straight Flush 100 to 1  3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair (10's or better)  1 to 1 1 Pair (6 through 9) Push Schedule Option 7 4 of a Kind 200 to 1  Straight Flush 100 to 1  3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 10 to 1 Straight  6 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair (10's or better)  1 to 1 1 Pair (6 through 9) Push Schedule Option 8 4 of a Kind 200 to 1  Straight Flush 100 to 1  3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 10 to 1 Straight  6 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair (10's or better)  2 to 1 1 Pair (6 through 9) Push Schedule Option 9 4 of a Kind 200 to 1  Straight Flush 100 to 1  3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 10 to 1 Straight  6 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair (10's or better)  2 to 1 1 Pair (6 through 9)  1 to 1 Schedule Option 10 4 of a Kind 200 to 1  Straight Flush 80 to 1 3 of a Kind 25 to 1 Flush 10 to 1 Straight  6 to 1 2 Pairs  4 to 1 1 Pair  1 to 1

[0048] Alternative embodiments address game play issues and provide for varied gaming experience while preserving the advantages of the present invention. For example, in the preferred embodiment, no side bets (between players) are permitted. In an alternative embodiment, side bets between players may be permitted.

[0049] The gaming establishment may optionally establish rules governing particular aspects of game play with the present invention. For example, the gaming establishment may limit the number of player stations a single player is allowed to control during a particular game. The present invention contemplates a single player controlling multiple player stations. Likewise, the minimum and maximum bets that the player's are allowed to make may be set by the gaming establishment. Finally, while the present invention contemplates banking (allowing a player to take over the house position and play against other players and the dealer), this option is discretionary with the gaming establishment.

[0050] While the card game of the present invention has been described in the context of having four-card hands, the game could be modified to play with a varied number of cards in each hand by adjusting the dealing aspect of the game, we well as modifying the ROYALTY BET configurations to more reasonably approximate priority hand strengths given the number of cards played.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a provision is made for situations where a player sets the high and low hands in the wrong location, or otherwise confuses the game play. A provision is also made for the situation where a player needs to leave the table after placing a bet. In both situations, a manager of the gaming establishment preferably makes a decision on the distribution of any outstanding bets.

[0052] The present invention, in addition to the live casino gaming table version of each of the embodiments described herein above, also contemplates video and/or electronic (e.g., via the Internet) versions of such embodiments. These alternative embodiments may be implemented on an electronic system using existing computer software and hardware technology. For example, the cards used in the gaming process could be replicated on a computer system such as a desktop computer, handheld computer or gambling computer. In this embodiment, computer software is used to shuffle and deal a virtual card deck to one or more players and an electronic dealer. The player is allowed to place an ANTE bet, ROYALTY BET and PLAY bet as desired by selecting the proper input on the computing device. In one embodiment of the electronic version of the present invention, for example as used in a non-gambling setting, credits or points are used when the player is playing for fun and enjoyment. In an alternative embodiment, as used in a gambling setting, cash or a credit card authorization is used for the bets. The computer software preferably implements the game play procedure outlined above on the electronic platform, and the payout or debit, if any, is made by way of electronic transaction with a known player account or via cash payment on appropriate funds distribution hardware.

[0053] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the specific shape, location and layout of the gaming table may be varied without departing from the methodology or game play of the present invention. The game may be played without the gambling aspect, namely, using credits or points when the player is playing for fun and enjoyment. The precise location and icon design of the ANTE bet, ROYALTY BET and PLAY bet areas may be modified on the gaming table. Likewise, the relative timing of the described methodology steps may be altered. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method of playing a card game, comprising: dealing a hand of cards to at least one player and one dealer; placing a bonus bet based on the hand prior to seeing the contents of the hand; forming each hand of cards into a high hand and a low hand based on the value of the cards in the hand; comparing the at least one player's high hand and low hand to the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively; designating the at least one player as a play winner if the at least one player's high hand and low hand beat the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively; comparing the at least one player's combined high hand and low hand to a bonus bet card configuration; if the at least one player's combined hand contains a bonus bet card configuration, designating the at least one player as a bonus bet winner according to a bonus bet schedule.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring the at least one player to place an ante bet to participate in the game.
 3. The method of claim 1, requiring the at least one player to place a play bet based on the high hand and low hand;
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing the at least one player to surrender the ante bet prior to placing a play bet based on the high hand and low hand.
 5. A method of playing a card game, comprising: dealing a hand consisting of a predetermined number of cards to at least one player and one dealer; allowing the at least one player the opportunity to place a bonus bet based on the hand prior to seeing the contents of the hand; forming the at least one player's hand into a high hand and a low hand based on the value of the cards in the hand; requiring the at least one player to place a play bet based on the high hand and low hand; forming the dealer's hand into a high hand and a low hand based on the value of the cards in the hand; comparing the at least one player's high hand and low hand to the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively; designating the at least one player as a play winner if the at least one player's high hand and low hand beat the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively; comparing the at least one player's combined high hand and low hand to a bonus bet card configuration; if the at least one player's combined hand contains a bonus bet card configuration, designating the at least one player as a bonus bet winner according to a bonus bet schedule.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of dealing a hand consisting of a predetermined number of cards to at least one player and one dealer comprises: dealing separate hands of cards equal to the number of participants including the at least one player plus the dealer; determining whether the at least one player or the dealer receives the first hand; and dealing the at least one player or the dealer the first hand based on determination.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining whether the at least one player or the dealer receives the first hand comprises: rolling dice; and determining whether the at least one player or the dealer receives the first hand based on whether the dice roll matches a number assigned to the at least one player or the dealer.
 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising requiring the at least one player to place an ante bet to participate in the game.
 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising allowing the at least one player to surrender the ante bet prior to placing a play bet based on the high hand and low hand.
 10. The method of claim 5, further comprising designating the dealer as the winner if the dealer's high hand and low hand beat the at least one player's high hand and low hand, respectively.
 11. The method of claim 5, further comprising designating a draw between the at least one player and the dealer if either the at least one player's high hand or the at least one player's low hand beats the dealer's high hand or low hand, respectively.
 12. The method to claim 5, wherein: the at least one player's combined high hand and low hand is a poker hand; the bonus bet card configuration is a poker ranking having poker ranks; and wherein the poker ranks have corresponding odds.
 13. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one player's hand contains a bonus bet card configuration if it includes a configuration from the group of: Four of a kind, Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Flush, Straight, Three of a kind, Two pair and One pair.
 14. The method of claim 5, wherein if the at least one player is designated as a play winner, paying the at least one player according to a payout schedule.
 15. The method of claim 5, wherein if the at least one player's combined hand contains a bonus bet card configuration, paying the at least one player according to a bonus bet payout schedule.
 16. The method of claim 5, wherein the game is played in a live form on a gaming table with a human dealer and conventional playing cards.
 17. The method of claim 5, wherein the card game is played on an electronic device and the hand comprises electronically produced visual representations of playing cards
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the card game is played over a network.
 19. A gaming table for at least one player and a dealer to play a card game with a deck of cards, the gaming table comprising: a table surface; at least one player station indicated on the table surface; a dealer station indicated on the table surface; and wherein a hand consisting of a predetermined number of cards is dealt to the at least one player and the dealer at the dealer station; wherein the at least one player is allowed to place a bonus bet based on the hand prior to seeing the contents of the hand; wherein the at least one player's hand is formed into a high hand and a low hand based on the value of the cards in the hand; wherein the at least one player is required to place a play bet based on the high hand and low hand; wherein the dealer's hand is formed into a high hand and a low hand based on the value of the cards in the hand; wherein the at least one player's high hand and low hand is compared to the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively; wherein the at least one player is designated as a winner if the at least one player's high hand and low hand beat the dealer's high hand and low hand, respectively; wherein if the at least one player is designated as a winner, the at least one player is paid according to a payout schedule; wherein the at least one player's combined high hand and low hand is compared to a bonus bet card configuration; and wherein if the at least one player's combined hand contains a bonus bet card configuration, the at least one player is paid according to a bonus bet payout schedule.
 20. The gaming table of claim 19, wherein each of the at least one player stations includes an ante bet area, a play bet area and a bonus bet area. 